Shoe Sole Layer Having Supporting Means

ABSTRACT

In a shoe sole having a shoe sole layer in which a plurality of supporting means arranged in a plurality of channels extending parallel to one another over the sole surface are introduced, the shoe sole layer and the supporting means should be easy to produce and, as a result of their interaction, should enable an optimised supporting or cushioning effect to be achieved in local regions of the sole surface. This is achieved in that the supporting means are formed in at least two parts from parts that can be separated from one another, more particularly from a shell and at least one core, and that the plurality of supporting means are inserted into the plurality of channels in the vertical direction (V), perpendicularly in relation to the sole longitudinal axis (L), in a manner such that they are retained with a form fit, the supporting means at least partially filling out the channels and the supporting means having, depending on their position on the shoe sole layer, different supporting effects along the sole surface due to their total hardness.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention describes a shoe sole having a shoe sole layer, in which a plurality of supporting means arranged in a plurality of channels extending parallel to one another over the sole surface are introduced.

PRIOR ART

In the past, the soles of shoes were further developed such that primarily the cushioning properties of the shoe sole or individual shoe sole layers were matched to the usage purpose of the shoe and the size and weight of the wearer of the shoe. In all such developments, it should be ensured that the stability of the entire shoe sole is not reduced. This is sometimes the problem when shoe soles are provided with massage effects, which is not the goal here.

As known, for example, from CN107440218, shoe sole layers have been developed that have various cushioning means in the profile thereof. These cushioning means are designed as cushion-like or spring-like structures which are incorporated into recesses or cavities during the manufacturing process of the shoe sole layer. With resilient cushioning means, a desired affect can be achieved at defined points such that, for example, pressure points on the sole of the shoe wearer's foot can be prevented during sport activities. When a wearer is especially heavy, CN204908160 also discloses shoes with shoe sole layers having an improved shock absorption. Within the shoe sole layer, there are likewise cavities recessed in which, in turn, cushion-like or spring-like cushioning means are placed.

The aforementioned ideas appear to be quite vague as a whole, and it is difficult to adapt the commercial mass-production of shoes to the personal requirements of various shoe wearers. It is unclear precisely how an adaptation of the shock absorption properties of the shoe sole layer is supposed to be adjustable, in a reproducible manner, to match to the weight or the usage purpose of the shoe. It is not sufficiently precisely possible in this case to implement the precise adjustment of the cushioning properties. Even if the number of cavities flatly distributed on the sole surface is greatly increased, the adjustment options are very limited. It is unlikely that cushioning means with a sufficiently high density can be flatly distributed on the sole surface. It is certainly difficult for simple manufacturing of such shoe sole layers since the adaptation of the cushioning means in differently sized cavities in the shoe sole layer is associated with a great deal of complexity.

REPRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is to obtain a shoe sole layer of a shoe sole with a plurality of supporting means, in which the shoe sole layer and the supporting means, due to the interaction thereof, are simple to manufacture, and an optimized supporting or cushioning effect is achieved in local regions of a sole surface.

It should be possible to achieve different cushioning specifications of the resulting shoe sole, in which the shoe still has a sufficiently stable shoe sole layer. In order to achieve this, the supporting means are placed in the shoe sole layer with a form-fit.

To achieve the object, the shape of the shoe sole layer or the arrangement and shape of the cavities, matched to the desired shoe size, always have the same structure, in which the selection of the supporting means to be used is different, matched to the cushioning properties to be achieved.

Variations of combinations of features or slight adaptations of the invention are stated in the detailed description, depicted in the figures, and included in the dependent claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The subject matter of the invention is described in detail in the following using the appended drawings. Necessary features, details, and advantages of the invention result from said description as follows.

The following is shown:

FIG. 1 a perspective, exploded view of a shoe sole having a plurality of supporting means before insertion into a plurality of channels in a shoe sole layer.

FIG. 2 a perspective view of various filled supporting means, in which, using an example here, cores with cruciform cross-sectional surfaces are selected.

FIG. 3 a perspective view of a shoe sole with the shoe sole layer, in which the plurality of supporting means is partly arranged extending away from a sole surface.

DESCRIPTION

In this case, a shoe sole layer 10 is shown as a part of a shoe sole 1. The shoe sole 1 itself forms a part of a shoe, which is not shown here. The resulting shoe sole layer 10 obtains an adjustable option, finely meshed along the sole surface, for defining the local cushioning properties under discussion here. Specifically defined cushioning properties can be achieved along various regions, in the ball of the foot, in the heel region, in the outer edge region of the foot, or along the longitudinal arch region of the sole surface, which properties are correspondingly scaled for all shoe sizes or sole sizes. These regions are indicated, in a delimited manner, by dashed lines in FIG. 3.

In the ready-to-use state, the shoe sole layer 10 is equipped, at the base, with an outsole layer 11 having a profile 110 of the outsole layer 11. The outsole layer 11 in this case protrudes up to the height of an upper end surface 100. A cover sole and an inner sole or brand sole is typically arranged on the upper end surface 100 of the shoe sole layer 10 before the entire shoe sole 1 is ready for use. For the sake of clarity, these various soles are not shown in this case but could also be an optional part of the shoe sole layer 10.

Channels 101 extending parallel to one another over the sole surface are recessed in the shoe sole layer 10. The channels 101 are arranged in several rows of channels 101 parallel to the longitudinal direction L and in several columns of channels 101 parallel to the transverse direction Q of the shoe sole layer 10.

The extension direction of the channels 101 is oriented in a vertical direction V, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L and transverse direction Q, respectively. In this case, the channels 101 extend from the foot-facing, upper end surface 100 of the shoe sole layer 10, in the direction of the shoe sole layer 11, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L and to the transverse direction Q of the shoe sole layer 10. A honeycomb-like structure is formed by the orientation and plurality of channels 101 Channel walls 102, which separate the interior of the channels from one another, are arranged between adjacent channels 101. The channels 101 preferably all extend parallel to one another, in which the depth of the channels 101 may differ due to the different heights of the shoe sole layer 10. This is shown in FIG. 1, in which the depths of the channels 101 are greater in the vertical direction V in the heel region than in the region of the ball of the foot of the shoe sole layer 10.

The cross-sectional surface of the channels 101 in this case is particularly respectively cruciform, in which other flat geometric figures, such as polygons like rectangles, squares, triangles, hexagons, or even stars can be selected.

The cross-sectional surface in the course of the channels 101 preferably remains constant. This results in the shape of the channels 101 in the form of blind holes in the shoe sole layer 10, which are open toward the upper end surface 100.

Several supporting means 2, preferably designed in multiple parts respectively, are then inserted, which are introduced into the plurality of channels 101 in the vertical direction V. The supporting means 2 fill out the channels 101 at least partially. Thus, the supporting means 2 are retained in the channels 101 with a form-fit. Because the weight force of the shoe wearer is applied in the vertical direction V in use, the supporting means 2 are retained in a captive manner. The supporting means 2 should have different hardnesses so that the regions of the shoe sole layer 10 have different cushioning effects depending on the placement of the supporting means 2.

The supporting means 2 are produced in at least two parts from parts which can be separated from one another. In this case, the two-part variant is shown with a shell 20 and at least one core 21 and explained in more detail. The shell 20 in this case is equipped with a cruciform cross-sectional surface, in which an inner shell contour 200 is recessed. The cross-sectional surface of the shell 20 corresponds to the cross-sectional surface of the channels 101 such that a form-fit connection is possible. In the recessed area of the shell 20, the core 21 is introduced in the longitudinal axis of the shell. To this end, the core 21 is provided with a corresponding outer core contour 210. The connection between the core 21 and the shell 20 is also a form-fit connection.

Due to the material used for the shell 20, the shell height H. and the inner shell contour 200, the shell 20 has an adjustable hardness. The same applies to the core 21 due to the material thereof, the core height K, and the outer core contour 210. A total hardness of each supporting means 2 is thereby achieved.

For example, differently inserted cores 21 with different hardnesses or an empty shell 20 are shown in FIG. 2. Supporting means 2 with various levels of hardness and thus cushioning can be achieved through the correct selection of suitable shells 20 and cores 21. Optionally, the core 21 of some supporting means 2 can be inserted partially protruding from the shell 20.

Preferably however, the core height K of the core 21 is selected to be the same size as the shell height H of the shell 20 of the supporting means 2, and the cores 21 are inserted into the inner shell contour 200 flush with the shell height H.

In practice, the shell 20 tends to be designed softer than the at least one core 21 such that the hardness of the shell 20 is respectively less than the hardness of the incorporated at least one core 21.

The desired supporting effect or cushioning effect can specifically be achieved locally along the sole surface through the design of the individual parts of the supporting means 2 and depending on the placement in the course of the shoe sole layer 10.

In the examples shown of the supporting means 2, the shape of the outer core contour 210 or the cross-sectional surface of the core 21 is a cross. This cross-sectional surface has proven to be especially suitable; however, other flat geometric shapes could also be chosen.

In the finished state of the shoe sole layer 10, the supporting means 2 are introduced into the provided channels 101. In this case, the shell heights H of the shell 20 are selected such that the supporting elements 2 extend slightly away from the foot-facing, upper end surface 100 of the shoe sole layer 10. Thus, the end face of the shell 20 is not selected to be flush with the upper end surface 100 of the shoe sole layer 10. The core heights K in this case are selected to be the same size, just as the shell heights H or the cores 21 are introduced such that the cores 21 and the shells 20 thereof terminate flush on one side.

As shown in FIG. 3, there are sections, for example in the region of the ball of the foot, in which the channels 101 are filled with identical supporting means 2, comprising identical shells 20 and cores 21, with a defined total hardness. In other regions, for example in the heel region, the columns of channels 101 are filled with identical supporting means 2 parallel to the transverse direction Q, which have, however, a total hardness different from the supporting means 2 in the region of the ball of the foot.

For example, region C is indicated, into which supporting means 2 with different shells 20, cores 21, and/or hardnesses of shells 20 and/or cores 21 are introduced in the adjacent channels 101. Therefore, a locally very precise adjustment of the cushioning effect can be achieved along the sole surface. Depending on the diameter of the channels 101 and of the supporting means 2, a high density of supporting means 2 can be achieved along the upper end surface 100 such that a very precise adjustment can be achieved in the local cushioning effect.

Since the shells 20 and cores 21 are produced from plastics, preferably from polymers and elastomers, the hardness measurement is implemented using a Shore durometer. Preferably, the Shore A hardnesses are between 20 to 30 and 40 to 50.

The shoe sole layer 10 with recessed channels 101 can be produced in a plastic injection-molding process or, for example, using a 3D printer. The same applies to the shell 20 and the core 21 of the supporting means 2. Any plastic materials correspondingly processable can be suitable for this. Optionally, the cores 21 in the inner shell contour 200 can also be attached using an adhesive bond, which is achieved, for example, by means of an adhesive.

It would also be possible to insert more than one core 21 into the shell 20 of each supporting means 2.

Since the supporting means 2 are arranged flatly distributed in the plane of the sole surface in a plurality, the cushioning properties of the shoe sole layer 10 can be adjusted very precisely and locally. In this case, directly adjacent channels 101 can be provided with different supporting means 2. The plurality of supporting means 2 can be inserted into the corresponding channels 101 completely in layers. The individual supporting means 2 are possibly connected to one another via predetermined breaking-point bridges. In the 3D printing process, the shoe sole layer 10 including the channels 101 and the supporting means 2 can also be printed simultaneously. Accordingly, the shoe sole layer 10 according to any of the claims is produced completely by printing in a 3D printing process by means of a 3D printer.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

-   1 Shoe sole     -   10 Shoe sole layer         -   100 Upper end surface         -   101 Channel, channels         -   102 Channel wall         -   Sole surface     -   11 Outsole layer         -   110 Profile of the outsole layer -   2 Supporting means (plurality, preferably in two parts)     -   20 Shell         -   200 Inner shell contour         -   H Shell height     -   21 Core (of at least one)         -   210 Outer core contour         -   K Core height -   L Sole longitudinal axis/longitudinal direction (L) of the shoe sole     layer -   Q Transverse direction -   V Vertical direction -   C Region 

1. A shoe sole having a shoe sole layer, in which a plurality of supporting means arranged in a plurality of channels extending parallel to one another and arranged over the sole surface is introduced, wherein the supporting means are formed in at least two parts from parts that can be separated from one another, more particularly from a shell and at least one core, and in that the plurality of supporting means is inserted into the plurality of channels in the vertical direction (V), perpendicularly in relation to the sole longitudinal axis (L), in a manner such that they are retained with a form-fit, wherein the supporting means at least partially fill out the channels and the supporting means have, depending on their position on the shoe sole layer, different supporting effects along the sole surface due to their total hardness.
 2. The shoe sole of claim 1, wherein the shell is designed softer than the at least one core.
 3. The shoe sole of claim 1, wherein an outer core contour of the at least one core is adapted to the inner shell contour of the shell such that the at least one core can be inserted in a manner such that it is retained in the shell with a form-fit.
 4. The shoe sole of claim 3, wherein the at least one core is attached in the inner shell contour with an adhesive bond.
 5. The shoe sole of claim 1, wherein the hardness of the at least one core of the supporting means is softer in the region of the balls of the foot of the shoe sole layer than the hardness of the at least one core of the supporting means in the region of the heel of the shoe sole layer.
 6. The shoe sole of claim 1, wherein a shell height (H) of the shell is selected so that the supporting elements protrude away from a foot-facing, upper end surface of the shoe sole layer in the vertical direction (V) of the shoe sole layer.
 7. The shoe sole of claim 1, wherein the at least one core protrudes away from the inner shell contours of the shells.
 8. The shoe sole of claim 6, wherein a core height (K) corresponds to a shell height (H) of the supporting means.
 9. The shoe sole of claim 1, wherein the plurality of channels is formed as a blind hole in the shoe sole layer from which a foot-facing, upper end surface of the shoe sole layer extends to an outsole layer connected to the shoe sole layer.
 10. The shoe sole of claim 3, wherein the outer core contour of the at least one core represents a cross.
 11. The shoe sole of claim 1, wherein the plurality of channels extends parallel to one other in the vertical direction (V) of the shoe sole layer, from which a foot-facing, upper end surface of the shoe sole layer is arranged, forming a honeycomb-like structure in the direction of an outsole layer perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L) of the shoe sole layer, and adjacent channels are separated from one another by channel walls. 